When life feels heavy, what small choices can help you feel lighter?

Shanelle had gone weeks without drinking and felt ready to face her emotions in therapy. But as therapy revealed deeper pain, she found herself returning to old habits. Meanwhile, Mary has been struggling with stress while caring for her aging mother. After hospital visits, she often finds herself reaching for a drink, but over time, she has realized it only makes her numb and unable to deal with her emotions. In this episode, Coach Mike helps Shanelle focus on what she can control and navigate the fear of facing past trauma, while Mary learns to manage stress in a way that has her feeling more at peace.

In Shanelle’s session:

- Experiencing progress in early attempts to change

- Discovering unhealed trauma through therapy

- Using self-awareness to understand hidden trauma

- Feeling overwhelmed by emotions and uncertainty

- Shifting focus to what she can control

- Building emotional strength by facing discomfort

- Taking control of habits with small pauses

- Breaking habits one choice at a time

- Focusing on benefits instead of setbacks

In Mary’s session:

- Struggling with stress while caring for her aging mother

- Noticing the urge to drink after difficult visits

- Feeling emotionally drained and anxious

- Managing stress differently with mindset shifts

- Viewing caregiving as a choice, not an obligation

- Allowing herself to fully embrace emotions

- Discovering healthier ways to manage emotions

- Finding gratitude in time spent with her mom

- Embracing every moment as an opportunity

Mike Shennan is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. He was a long-time social drinker, and his drinking habits increased in his forties due to various life events. However, he has been alcohol-free since February 23, 2018. By sharing his personal experiences and using techniques from This Naked Mind, Mike supports clients who feel their drinking habits have grown as they age, helping them regain control and create a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Learn more about Coach Mike: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/mike-shennan/ 

Related Episodes:

EP 158: Reader Question – How Do You Deal with Stress Without Alcohol? https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-158-how-do-you-deal-with-stress-without-alcohol/ 

EP 689: Interview with Dr. Melissa Kalt https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-689-interview-with-dr-melissa-kalt/ 

EP 748: The Path to Inner Clarity: Alcohol Freedom Coaching https://thisnakedmind.com/the-path-to-inner-clarity-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e748/ 

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!